OpenKiosk vs Porteus Kiosk

OpenKiosk is a remotely configurable public browser terminal based on Mozilla Firefox. It runs as a system-integrated standalone browser, with system-level controls intended to keep public users within web browsing. Administrators can register devices for remote management using a token and change settings through a web interface. After registration succeeds, the token is removed from the device, so a backup token is needed for later device management.

Kiosk settings cover fullscreen display, toolbar and URL bar visibility, an on-screen keyboard, and whether bookmarks persist. Administrators can set session timers and choose whether cache, history, and cookies carry over. URL allowlists or blocklists are available, with a strict mode that checks page resources and may disrupt pages if rules omit required resources. The settings can disable local terminal access and start a clean browser profile. Downloads and uploads are labeled insecure when enabled; uploads can expose the terminal filesystem to web pages. OpenKiosk is free and open source under the Mozilla Public License. Current beta installation instructions require Debian 13 on x86_64 or aarch64 hardware.

Porteus Kiosk is a lightweight Linux operating system that limits a computer to browser use and opens a selected homepage at startup. The maker lists public terminals in schools, libraries, cafes, hotels, offices, and tourist centers, as well as digital signage, as uses. It runs on x86_64 PCs, requires at least 2 GB of RAM and 1 GB of storage, and does not support ARM devices such as Raspberry Pi. The hybrid ISO can be installed on writable media including USB drives, hard drives, SSD or eMMC devices, and SD or MMC cards. Browser history is not retained, passwords are not saved, and caches are cleared when the browser closes. Automatic updates are enabled by default; the maker describes a read-only image and startup checks that stop booting if component values differ from registered values. Porteus Kiosk Server can manage up to 1000 clients behind NAT, proxies, or firewalls, but cannot host client updates: clients update from the maker’s domain and need separate subscriptions. A 30-day free evaluation is available. Continued use requires a subscription, starting at €40 per PC per year, excluding VAT, for 1–10 PCs.